Finding an unexpected lump on the left side of your stomach can be a concerning discovery. It is important to understand that a variety of conditions, ranging from relatively harmless to more serious, can cause a lump sensation in this area. Pinpointing the exact cause requires a professional medical evaluation.
Understanding Lumps on the Stomach Surface
Lumps felt on or just beneath the skin surface of the left abdomen often stem from common, less serious conditions. One frequent cause is a lipoma, which is a benign growth made of fatty tissue located between the skin and muscle layer. These typically feel soft, are easily movable when pressed, and usually do not cause pain, though some may become painful if they press on nerves or contain many blood vessels.
Skin cysts, such as sebaceous cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that can appear as small, round, or oval lumps. They are generally firm to the touch and mobile, often feeling painless unless they become infected or inflamed. Hematomas, which are collections of blood under the skin, can also present as a lump, often resulting from injury. They may appear as a bulge with discolored skin.
Sometimes, what feels like a lump might be a muscle knot. These are sensitive nodules in muscle tissue that can feel like small, tender bumps. While they are usually painful when touched, they can also cause referred pain or a sensation of weakness or stiffness in the abdominal muscles. A hernia can manifest as a visible or palpable bulge on the abdominal wall, occurring when internal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or fascia. Hernias can be painful, especially when coughing, bending, or lifting, and may appear near the navel or a surgical scar.
Possible Internal Causes in the Left Abdomen
A lump sensation in the left abdomen can also originate from deeper structures or internal organs. The spleen, located in the upper left side of the abdomen beneath the ribcage, can enlarge due to various underlying conditions (splenomegaly). An enlarged spleen may be felt as a lump or a feeling of fullness, sometimes causing pain in the upper left abdomen that can radiate to the left shoulder.
Issues within the colon can also present as a palpable mass, particularly in the left lower abdomen. Conditions like diverticulitis, an inflammation of small pouches in the colon, commonly cause pain and can lead to a mass. Other colon issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease or tumors, might also result in a detectable mass.
While the kidneys are deep within the body, very large cysts or tumors on the left kidney could, in rare instances, become palpable. For example, hydronephrosis, which is fluid accumulation in the kidney, can cause a smooth, spongy-feeling mass. An intra-abdominal abscess, which is a localized collection of pus and infected fluid, can form internally and create a palpable lump. Other benign or malignant growths within the abdominal cavity are also possible.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a healthcare professional whenever an unexplained lump appears, especially in the abdominal area. Certain characteristics or accompanying symptoms should prompt a more urgent medical evaluation. These include a lump that appears suddenly or grows rapidly in size.
Seek prompt attention if the lump is accompanied by pain, tenderness, or discomfort, or if you experience a fever, chills, or other signs of infection. Changes in the skin over the lump, such as discoloration or increased warmth, are also important indicators. Systemic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or changes in bowel habits warrant immediate medical assessment. Any lump that feels firm, immovable, or irreducible, particularly if it might be a hernia, should also be evaluated without delay.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
During your medical appointment, the healthcare provider will begin by taking a detailed medical history. They will ask about your symptoms, when you first noticed the lump, if it has changed in size or location, and any other associated symptoms. This will be followed by a physical examination, where the doctor will gently press on different areas of your abdomen to locate the mass, assess its characteristics, and determine if any organs feel swollen or tender. They may also ask you to cough or strain, as this can sometimes make a lump more apparent or help determine its nature.
To investigate the lump, your doctor may recommend diagnostic tests. Common imaging studies include an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of soft tissues, a CT scan for detailed cross-sectional views, or an MRI for even greater soft tissue detail. Blood tests can help check for signs of infection or inflammation. In some instances, a biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis, may be necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Treatment approaches will vary depending on the underlying cause, ranging from observation and medication for infections to surgical removal for certain types of growths or hernias.